Quest Q-Jet F41-5W vs Enerjet F52-8C: 24mm Motor Comparison

By Quest Q-jet | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Comparisons

Compare the Quest Q-Jet F41-5W and Enerjet F52-8C 24mm rocket motors. Learn which composite propellant motor fits your model and flight goals.

Quick answer

The Quest Q-Jet F41-5W delivers higher total impulse than a standard D12 black powder motor while weighing less, making it ideal for mid-power rockets that need a strong boost without extra mass. The Enerjet F52-8C offers a higher average thrust and a longer delay, suited for heavier models or flights requiring a longer coast before deployment. Choose the F41-5W for lighter rockets and the F52-8C for heavier builds or higher altitude flights.

Motor size and compatibility

Both the Quest Q-Jet F41-5W and the Enerjet F52-8C are 24mm diameter model rocket motors, so they fit the same standard 24mm motor mount tubes. However, the F41-5W uses Quest's composite propellant in a patent-pending high-strength polymer case, while the Enerjet F52-8C uses a traditional black powder or composite formulation in a standard cardboard and clay casing. The F41-5W's polymer case is lighter and more durable, but may require an adapter for some rocket kits designed for black powder motors.

The F41-5W has a total impulse 14.8% higher than a D12 black powder motor, yet weighs only 85.4% as much. This means you get more thrust with less weight, which can improve altitude and stability. The Enerjet F52-8C, with its higher average thrust (52 N vs 41 N) and longer delay (8 seconds vs 5 seconds), is better suited for rockets that need a longer coast phase before ejection.

Performance and flight profile

The F41-5W's 5-second delay works well for medium-weight rockets that reach moderate altitudes, providing a timely ejection. The F52-8C's 8-second delay gives more time for the rocket to coast to apogee, which is beneficial for heavier models or those designed for high-altitude flights. Both motors use composite propellant similar to that used in NASA's solid rocket boosters, offering consistent burn characteristics.

If your rocket is on the lighter side (under 8 ounces), the F41-5W will provide a brisk boost without overstressing the airframe. For heavier rockets (over 10 ounces), the F52-8C's higher thrust will get it off the pad more reliably. The F41-5W also comes in a 2-motor launch pack, making it economical for multi-flight sessions.

Tradeoffs at a glance

Total impulse vs weight: The F41-5W offers 14.8% more total impulse than a D12 but weighs 14.6% less. This gives you more thrust per gram of motor mass, ideal for performance-focused builds. Choose the F41-5W if you want maximum thrust-to-weight ratio.
Delay time vs rocket weight: The F41-5W has a 5-second delay; the F52-8C has 8 seconds. A longer delay suits heavier rockets that take longer to reach apogee, while a shorter delay works for lighter models. Match the delay to your rocket's weight and expected coast time.
Motor construction and reusability: The F41-5W uses a polymer case that is lighter and more impact-resistant than the cardboard casing typical of black powder motors. However, the F41-5W is a single-use motor; the case is not reloadable. The polymer case is a durability plus, but you cannot reload it like an RMS system.

Product facts

Quest Q-Jet™ F41-5W White Lightning Complete 2-Motor Launch Pack - Q6160: Quest Q-Jets are the world's most advanced 24mm model rocket motors. These motors have 14.8% more total impulse than D12 BP motors, and are 85.4% the weight of D12 BP motors. They use composite propellant like NASA's solid rocket boosters. The F41-5W delivers more power than a standard D12 while being lighter, which means higher acceleration and altitude potential for your mid-power rocket.
Quest Q-Jet™ C18-6W White Lightning Complete 2-Motor Launch Pack - Q6126: Quest Q-Jets are the world's most advanced 18mm model rocket motors. They use a patent-pending high-strength polymer case and bulkhead, ceramic nozzle, and White Lightning aerospace-grade composite propellant. While this fact is for an 18mm motor, it illustrates the same advanced construction used across the Q-Jet line, including the 24mm F41-5W. The polymer case is lighter and more durable than traditional cardboard casings.

Which motor fits your rocket?

Best for

Lighter mid-power rockets (under 8 oz) that benefit from a high thrust-to-weight ratio
Flyers who want a composite motor with a shorter delay for moderate altitudes

Not ideal for

Heavy rockets (over 10 oz) that need higher average thrust for a safe liftoff
Flights requiring a very long coast delay (over 6 seconds) before ejection